We Want Art

Paris, November 2022

The morning I left to Paris to meet up with Tamsin and Paula - her friend and business partner - I did not want to leave the island. Again travelling. Again getting into decent clothing for the big city. Again hopping on an airplane. But I needed an urgent visit to Berlin for a doctor’s appointment and decided to do a stop-over in Paris.

And once there, it was great. Did not realize until then, how much I had missed the glamour and the art overall. We went to see the annual fair for photography Paris Photo in the Grand Palais Ephemere and, although having been away from the scene and current happenings, I had not become rusty yet. Did meet quite a few friends and colleagues such as gallerists, curators, photographers and publishers who I regulary worked or hung out with. But I definitely noticed my handicap and could not spend as much time as I wanted because of my condition. It is tiring to limp around all day. Also, it was packed! Never seen Paris Photo that full. I left the building, happy to feel the sun on my face, away from the crowd to get something to eat in the Marais. I think, next year I will rather visit other photo festivals which are smaller, with access only for professionals and more contemporary work to be seen, although I loved seeing classic art work of photography in real, exhibited Paris.

Where I really felt super rusty was in nightlife business, so did Tamsin and Paula. Although they looked stunning, and could easily deal with the young crowd on the dance floor. As by total coincidence, we had met my friend Jewels - a swedish/russian sword swallower from Berlin - in front Silentio, a cutting-edge club founded by David Lynch, and she put us on the guest list. Jewels had done a show there and was just on her way to another club. We enjoyed entering the black stylish cellar to observe the new generation in their natural habitat, dressed to kill. At start, I thought to see Halloween leftovers- but yeah, that is seemingly the new style. Très chic. The music was a mixture of 80ties and 90ties songs remixed with zippy new layovers on. After a while, we felt a little displaced and left to the other club where Jewels was already waiting for us. Phew! Our age people and a drag queen D-Jane, who is a flight attendant during daytime. The club was on top floor of a hotel with a view over the whole city! Though lights were off, due to energy source restrictions. We had a blast, the girls danced while I watched. No dancing for me anymore as I completely loose balance and coordination. At the end we left around 4 am, just before closing. Enough party for middle-aged women!

Next day we drove in rented e-bikes along the river Seine with sunshine weather. Went to see Alice Neel in the Centre George Pompidou, a remarkable painter, born beginning of last century, who I had never heard of. Feminist and very impressive documentalist of her own time. Lucinda and Edouard had invited us for dinner, and we took pictures in front of the Eiffel Tower by their window, as their apartment is the closest to this industrial iron construction. Edouard never stopped refilling champagne. I think even the leopard must have had some. An evening filled with art, good cuisine and very interesting company.

Tamsin and Paula flew back to Barcelona, whereas I stayed with Lucinda and Edouard in their place, before heading off on a 9-hour train ride Berlin next day. No need for airplane at all.